MANISTIQUE — As we continue to enjoy summertime activities in the Upper Peninsula, COVID cases are up, especially in Schoolcraft County, according to the LMAS Health Department. Schoolcraft County had eight cases from July 6 – July 13, increasing to 21 cases in the following week ending on July 20.

The Upper Peninsula has added just over 1,200 new cases in the last two weeks. Alger County is also at high transmission level according to the CDC, but appears to be trending down again. Luce County is at medium transmission and Mackinac County is low.

“The numbers may seem small, but with the expanding use of home testing, we know that we do not have the actual number of active cases. However, with the high transmission level in Schoolcraft, this is a good time to assess your own comfort level and risk factors. Make sure you are using the tools available to you and your family to reduce your risk of serious illness,” health department officials said.

Toolkit:

1. Vaccinations – not as effective at preventing the sub variants of Omicron, but still helping to keep people from becoming seriously ill and hospitalized. If you’re vaccinated but have not received your booster(s), visit LMASDHD.org to make an appointment or call your local LMAS office.

2. Masks – in crowded indoor spaces, always a good option to wear a well fitted mask such as a KN95.

3. Home test kits – keep some on hand and make sure you’re not spreading COVID before you head out for that meet up with friends and family.

4. If you become ill with a fever and other symptoms such as cough, sore throat, and sneezing, stay home until your fever subsides and symptoms improve.

5. If you test positive for COVID notify your close contacts and isolate on days 1-5. If symptoms subside by day 6, wear a mask on days 6-10 if you need to leave your home. Also, if you test positive, contact your medical provider about prescription medications now available for those with COVID.

LMAS has free COVID-19 testing kits and masks available to the public at all four offices – in St. Ignace,

Newberry, Manistique and Munising. For more information and to schedule your next COVID-19 vaccine appointment, visit LMASDHD.org.